Extravagant attractions can be a lot of fun but if your bank account is feeling the pinch, you might think that London is a city outside of your budget. Here’s the good news; it’s not! There are plenty of budget friendly things to do in London, and a lot of things to get involved in completely free of charge, too. Check out our round-up of the best things to do in London on a tight budget.
Free Museum Entry:
London is home to tons of interesting museums. And the best part; many of them are completely free to go in and have a look around! There’s everything from ancient history to chocolate, so whatever you want to learn more about, you’re sure to find it in this city. Some of the best free museums in the UK capital include:
- The Natural History Museum
- The Science Museum
- Design Museum
- The Chocolate Museum
- The Museum of London
- British Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Imperial War Museum
- Horniman Museum & Gardens
- Bank of England Museum
- Maritime Museum
- RAF Museum
- Royal Academy of Music Museum
- National Army Museum
- Science Gallery London
Free Concerts and Gigs:
London is a city filled with music – and there’s plenty of it on offer free of charge, too! From the halls of the Royal Opera house to the buskers at Oxford Circus, you’re sure to find a free concert or gig that’s to your taste. You could:
- See a free concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields
- Attend a free lunchtime concert at the Royal Academy of Music
- Head to Nando’s recording studio to record your own music
- Catch a gig at the Old Blue Last
- Listen out for the next massive hit at Rough Trade on Brick Lane
- Attend the Royal Opera House’s free ‘Live at Lunch’ performances
See More of London for Less:
Some tours of London can be fairly pricey, but if you know where to look, there are plenty of budget options for seeing the entire city, too. You might want to consider:
- An open-top bus tour; these are usually quite budget-friendly and allow you to hop on and off at attractions you’d like to spend more time at
- A walking tour: Often the cheapest option, a London tour on foot is a fantastic way to explore all the nooks and crannies of the city with an experienced guide
- A pub tour – if you’ve got money for drinks, this is a fun way to see the city
- River Thames cruises – prices are reasonable and it’s a great way to get a view of the city from the water while learning more about all the attractions that you pass
Grab Some Bargains at the Market:
There are plenty of gorgeous markets in London that are well worth the visit, even if you don’t plan on buying anything. From homemade goods to artisan food and upmarket items, there’s something for everybody here. Plus, there’s always plenty of free samples to go around. Some of the best markets in the city include:
- Broadway market
- Leadenhall market
- Maltby street market
- Camden market
- Greenwich market
- Portobello Road market
- Borough market
- Brick lane market
- Columbia Road flower market
- Brixton Village and Market
- Old Spitalfields market
Free Art Galleries:
For art lovers, London is a haven of free art galleries, with collections ranging from classics to thought-provoking modern art. Wonder at the range of paintings, installations and sculptures for free at:
- The National Gallery
- Tate Modern
- The Wellcome Collection
- East London’s street art
- Saatchi Gallery
- The Wallace Collection
- Gods Own Junkyard
- Somerset House
- White Cube Gallery
London doesn’t have to break the bank at all. These helpful suggestions will enable you to make the most out of your vacation and while staying within your budget.
